As the NFL season winds down, the focus will soon shift to the offseason, sparking discussions among fans and front offices across the league. These conversations will revolve around free agency, draft strategies, and other key decisions. However, for some NFL teams, one of the most critical choices will be determining their next head coach. A successful head coach can dramatically influence the future of a franchise, as seen in Detroit under Dan Campbell’s leadership over the past few years.
With “Black Monday” fast approaching, the upcoming offseason will likely bring a wave of head coach vacancies. As teams prepare for potential changes, let’s explore some top candidates who could be in the mix to replace coaches whose contracts may not be renewed.
NFL Head Coaching Candidates for 2025
Ben Johnson
Current Role: Offensive Coordinator, Detroit Lions
Ben Johnson is set to be the most sought-after head coaching candidate of the 2025 offseason. Since taking over as Detroit’s offensive coordinator in 2022, Johnson has been pivotal in transforming the Lions into one of the league’s top offensive forces. Under his leadership, Detroit has ranked among the league’s top five in both total offense and scoring every year. The 2024 season, in particular, has been a career-high for Johnson, with the team averaging 33.3 points per game, the highest in the league since Patrick Mahomes’ breakout season.
While Johnson benefits from a talented roster, including standouts like Jared Goff, Amon-Ra St. Brown, and a stellar offensive line, his innovative playcalling and ability to maximize his players’ potential make him a prime candidate for a head coaching job. Whoever hires him will be making a significant investment in their future, especially on the offensive side of the ball.
Brian Flores
Current Role: Defensive Coordinator, Minnesota Vikings
Brian Flores’ career took a turn after his controversial tenure as head coach of the Miami Dolphins. However, since joining the Minnesota Vikings as defensive coordinator, he has demonstrated his defensive acumen. Under his direction, the Vikings’ defense has ranked among the top units, with aggressive blitz schemes and creative coverage leading to a high rate of quarterback pressures.
Flores’ ability to build a defense without relying on superstar talent makes him a compelling candidate for a head coaching position. If paired with a strong offensive mind, Flores could lead a team deep into the playoffs.
Pete Carroll
Former Role: Head Coach, Seattle Seahawks
Pete Carroll, one of the most experienced coaches in the league, may resurface as a candidate in this year’s head coaching cycle. Known for his successful tenure with the Seattle Seahawks, which included two Super Bowl appearances and a championship, Carroll’s coaching expertise could be a valuable asset to a team in need of leadership. While Carroll’s age (73) means he might not be a long-term solution, his playoff pedigree makes him a worthy stopgap for a franchise looking to win now.
Liam Coen
Current Role: Offensive Coordinator, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Though relatively inexperienced as an NFL coordinator, Liam Coen has shown promise during his time in Tampa Bay. His work this season helped multiple players, including Baker Mayfield and rookie Bucky Irving, achieve career highs. Coen’s offensive savvy, learned from the Sean McVay coaching tree, positions him as a future star in the coaching ranks. Though he may need more time, Coen has the potential to make an impact as a head coach in the near future.
Mike Vrabel
Former Role: Head Coach, Tennessee Titans
Having recently served as a consultant with the Cleveland Browns, Mike Vrabel will likely attract interest from teams looking for a veteran leader. Vrabel’s successful tenure with the Tennessee Titans, where he led the team to three playoff berths in five seasons, earned him a reputation as a strong “leader of men.” With his experience and leadership, Vrabel could quickly turn around a franchise that has the foundational pieces in place but requires a culture shift to move forward.
Todd Monken
Current Role: Offensive Coordinator, Baltimore Ravens
Since joining the Ravens in 2023, Todd Monken has helped turn their offense into one of the most dynamic in the NFL. By unlocking Lamar Jackson’s potential as a passer, Monken has crafted an offense that ranks among the league’s best. Despite not fitting the mold of a flashy young coach, Monken’s results speak for themselves. His intelligence and experience make him a strong candidate for head coaching positions, though some teams may question his leadership qualities.
Aaron Glenn
Current Role: Defensive Coordinator, Detroit Lions
Aaron Glenn, the defensive coordinator for the Lions, has earned recognition for his ability to run a top-tier defense, despite significant injuries this season. While Detroit’s defense has been middle-of-the-pack in statistics, the Lions were one of the league’s best defenses prior to their injury woes. Glenn’s connection to New Orleans has made him a candidate for the Saints’ head coaching role, where he could bring fresh success to a franchise in need of revitalization.
Joe Brady
Current Role: Offensive Coordinator, Buffalo Bills
Joe Brady, a young offensive mind, has helped revive the Buffalo Bills’ offense after a lackluster start to the season. Under his guidance, players like Josh Allen have continued to perform at an MVP-caliber level. Brady’s success in a short time has led many to believe he is ready for a head coaching opportunity. As one of the brightest young offensive strategists, Brady could be on the radar of teams looking to build their future around a rising star.
As teams approach Black Monday and begin evaluating potential head coaches for the 2025 season, these candidates could be leading the charge for a new era in the NFL.
